Organic Standards are Being Revised by State
Business WireDonnerstag, 16. Dezember 1999 12:18:00
Organic Standards are Being Revised by State
Business Editors, Agriculture Writers
OLYMPIA, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 16, 1999--The state's
Organic Food Program is proposing changes to the list of materials
that are approved for use in organic crop production.
The proposal also addresses roadside vegetation management,
genetic engineering, and standards for the use of seeds and
transplants in organic farming. The state Department of Agriculture
will hear public comments on the proposal at 11 a.m. Jan. 5 in
Room 259 of the Natural Resources Building, 1111 Washington St.,
Olympia. Written comments will be accepted until 5 p.m. Jan. 5.
"Washington's Organic Food Program is widely recognized for the
quality of its standards and certification process," said Miles
McEvoy, manager of the Organic Food Program at Department of
Agriculture. "The proposed changes will continue our state's
leadership and enhance acceptance of Washington's organic products in
domestic and international markets."
Proposed changes include:
-- Requires non-chemical vegetation management in areas close to
organic crop production.
-- Requires producers to notify adjoining land owners of the
location of organic crop production sites.
-- Prohibits genetically engineered crops in organic crop
production.
-- Requires that each site has a soil test every three years.
-- Prohibits the use of calcium chloride, detergents and leather
meal.
-- Prohibits the use of sodium nitrate starting in 2003.
-- Approves biological control organisms, corn gluten, cover crops,
microbial products, mulches and plant and fungal extracts.
-- Prohibits the use of strychnine in organic crop production.
-- Prohibits the use of detergents and quaternary ammonia compounds
as post-harvest materials.
-- Proposes standards for organic mushrooms.
The Organic Crop Production Standards are being revised for a
number of reasons. First, they will clarify standards regarding
genetic engineering, transplants, seeds, sprouts, and transitional
requirements. Second, they will align Washington's organic standards
with national and international organic standards. Third, the proposed
amendments will enhance organic integrity through the requirements for
notification and non-chemical vegetation management. Fourth, the list
of approved and prohibited materials will be clarified and updated to
national organic standards.
The state Department of Agriculture's Organic Advisory Board has
worked with Organic Food Program staff to develop the proposed
amendments. Proposed changes are based on the United States Department
of Agriculture's National Organic Standards Board Recommendations and
the Organic Trade Association's American Organic Standards.
For a copy of the proposed rules, call Miles McEvoy at
360/902-1924. Send written comments to: Washington State Department of
Agriculture, Organic Food Program, PO Box 42560, Olympia, WA
98504-2560. Comments may be sent by FAX (360) 902-2087 or e-mail
mmcevoy@@agr.wa.gov. Information on the Organic Food Program is
available on the Internet at www.wa.gov/agr/fsah/organic/ofp.htm. The
hearing is wheelchair accessible. For materials in Braille or other
formats, call 360/902-1976 or TDD 360/902-1996.
--30--APS/se*
CONTACT: Washington State Department of Agriculture
Miles McEvoy, 360/902-1924
or
Linda Waring, 360/902-1815
KEYWORD: WASHINGTON
INDUSTRY KEYWORD: FOODS/BEVERAGES GOVERNMENT
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